MSPs seek evidence of Brexit negotiations impact

Evidence of the impact of the UK Government's article 50 negotiations on Scotland’s individuals, businesses and organisations has been called for by a Holyrood committee.

As the negotiations for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU enter a critical phase, the Culture, Tourism, Europe & External Affairs Committee is seeking further submissions as part of its ongoing scrutiny of the negotiations. MSPs want to know what impact these negotiations, and the uncertainty created, have had on Scotland.

In particular they are asking what the negotiations have meant in practice, and what further support or guidance is needed from the UK or Scottish Governments.

Other questions of interest are:

• What preparations, if any, are being made by individuals, businesses and organisations for the range of scenarios which may result from the negotiations?
• What would the impact of a no-deal outcome be for Scottish individuals, businesses and organisations?
• To what extent has the guidance issued by the European Commission and UK Government been helpful in helping to prepare for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU?

Committee convener Joan McAlpine MSP commented: "With less than 200 days until Brexit becomes a reality, how this will look is still not clear. Terms like Blind Brexit, no deal and the Chequers plan have become an all too familiar part of the daily commentary. But what is behind the headlines, and what it is all too easy to forget is that Brexit – no matter how this looks – will have a very real impact on people, businesses and organisations throughout Scotland.

"Our Committee wants to know what the impact of this uncertainty has been and how the how the negotiations around article 50 have affected the day-to-day lives of Scottish people.

"We have started to see some guidance on the potential impact of Brexit being published by the UK Government and European Commission, but we also want to hear about steps people, businesses and organisations in Scotland are taking to be ready for the outcome of the negotiations. And importantly, what further guidance is needed to ensure that Scotland can prepare for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU."

Click here to access the current call for evidence. The deadline for responses is 12 October 2018.